Ganoderma lucidum, commonly referred to as Lingzhi or Reishi mushrooms in traditional Chinese medicine, are used as extracts and multiingredient dietary supplements with various health-enhancing effects, such as hypoglycemic, antitumor, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. They contain polysaccharides (b-glucans), triterpenoids, nucleosides, ergosterols and proteins for optimal performance.

Small short term studies have reported it to produce few or no side effects, with clinically evident liver damage being exceptionally unlikely.

Health Benefits

Ganoderma lucidum, commonly referred to in China and Japan as Lingzhi or Reishi respectively, is an esteemed medicinal mushroom used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). According to TCM theory, Lingzhi helps extend life expectancy by supporting immune system function while strengthening Qi, or vital energy, helping resistance against stress and disease as well as improving resistance against stress-induced diseases. Lingzhi tea has also proven itself as a powerful antioxidant.

Studies have demonstrated the therapeutic use of Lingzhi for cardiovascular disorders, diabetes and high cholesterol. One trial used oral Lingzhi extract supplementation to lower triglyceride levels while simultaneously increasing HDL cholesterol among participants with Type 2 diabetes; another trial improved blood pressure while decreasing insulin resistance; finally in mouse model of pressure overload-induced heart failure it significantly normalised left ventricular dysfunction by inhibiting an expression of circular RNA molecules called circFoxo3.

This mushroom is popularly recognized for its anti-aging effects. It may reduce fine lines and wrinkles by neutralizing free radicals that cause oxidative damage to healthy cells; and promote hydration of skin through stimulating natural production of water molecules within our bodies. Furthermore, beta glucans found within this fungi help support skin health, adding another benefit for its use against age.

Lingzhi may provide more than immune system benefits; it may also protect from radiation and chemotoxicity. The fungus contains germanium which has been found to possess antimutagenic, antitumor and immune-enhancing activities as well as being antiinflammatory and antiapoptotic in nature.

Lingzhi plants are native to East Asian forests and, over the last few years, have become a widely used ingredient in health food products. Lingzhi tea powder can be purchased both online and from herbal shops; numerous other products contain extracts or tinctures of Lingzhi, often sold together with other herbs. Most people can safely take Lingzhi supplements while there have been isolated reports of liver injury from other herbal or dietary supplements containing Reishi or Lingzhi extracts.

Safety

Reishi mushrooms (Ganoderma lucidum or big black lingzhi) have long been used as an ancient medicinal herb to improve overall health, boost immune systems and increase white blood cell counts. Reishi is an extremely potent anti-oxidant and may help treat heart, lung and liver conditions such as angina; treat rheumatoid arthritis; chronic fatigue syndrome and diabetes. Furthermore it can lower high blood pressure, cholesterol levels as well as prevent and treat viral infections while relieving cough symptoms.

Reishi mushroom contains various polysaccharides, such as b-1-3 and b-1-6-D-glucans, with diverse bioactive properties and can interact with various immune cells. Reishi polysaccharides increase serum insulin levels in normal and glucose-loaded mice while simultaneously decreasing plasma glucokinase, hexokinase and hepatic glucose-6 phosphatase activities in humans and increasing animal models’ protection from carbon tetrachloride and galactosamine hepatotoxicity.

Reishi contains triterpenes and phenolic compounds with C30 skeleton structures, comprising triterpenoids and sterols as well as less volatile diterpenoids, alcohols and glycosides with isoprene units. These organic molecules make up a class known as isoprenes containing isoprene units; some species even possess diterpenoids with isoprene units which include volatile triterpenoids like triterpenoids that release volatile triterpenoids or sterols while others include less volatile diterpenoids, alcohols or glycosides containing isoprenes units like this group of organic molecules with isoprene units such as triterpenoids/sterols/isominoids/isolates/glycosides/glycosides/g/etc

Multiple double-blind placebo controlled trials have investigated the safety of Ganopoly, a commercially available reishi polysaccharide extract. Short-term supplementation studies of up to 30 days found no changes in antioxidant status and other biomarkers; longer term use was also found to be safe when treating patients for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular risk factors and chronic fatigue syndrome.

18 Chinese patients living with epilepsy found that taking Reishi Spore Powder helped improve quality of life measures and decrease seizure frequency compared to placebo, without altering ALT levels or showing evidence of hepatotoxicity. Similar results were also observed during a study involving 132 Chinese patients diagnosed with neurasthenia who were given either reishi polysaccharide capsules or placebo capsules for 8 weeks; wellness and fatigue scores improved significantly more with the latter than with either (Wachtel-Galor et al. 2004a). Unfortunately, no changes occurred in liver function markers, hematology, or renal status due to either intervention (Wachtel-Galor et al. 2004a). Liver injury associated with reishi has been reported in isolated instances; severity ranged from mild hepatitis that resolved upon cessation to severe necrosis requiring dialysis as treatment was administered in order to restore health (Wachtel-Galor et al. 2004b).

Ingredients

Ganoderma lucidum, more commonly referred to as Lingzhi tea or Reishi mushroom is widely utilized in traditional Chinese medicine as an immortality herb or divine mushroom with multiple health benefits such as immune system support and stress relief. Ganoderma is commonly sold as supplements or in combination with other herbs and mushrooms in functional food products for sale.

Reishi mushroom has been extensively researched for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties as well as to support healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Furthermore, studies have also demonstrated its ability to stimulate white blood cell count, helping fight infection more efficiently. Various studies have also shown its polysaccharides (b-glucan) can activate CD3, CD4, CD8 lymphocytes as well as NK cells; furthermore reishi may also provide hypolipidemic and glycemic benefits as well as promote longevity benefits.

Reishi tea offers many health advantages, and can also act as an adaptogen, helping people manage stress effectively. Studies have demonstrated its efficacy by decreasing cortisol production associated with stress hormones and increasing GABA activity – two natural neurotransmitters.

Reishi has been found to provide many health advantages, such as increasing physical strength and stamina, improving sleep quality, lowering blood sugar levels and improving immune function. Furthermore, it serves as an excellent source of minerals such as potassium and magnesium.

Reishi tea can be made using various ingredients depending on the desired flavor profile. A rooibos tea with reishi may be enhanced with lemongrass or eleuthero root while an herbal blend combining reishi with turkey tail can include licorice root or slippery elm bark for example. Ready-to-drink beverages containing reishi, like instant coffee or iced tea are another easy way of enjoying its health benefits without having to prepare it yourself!

Side Effects

Lingzhi (respectedly Reishi or Ganoderma lucidum) is a highly valued mushroom in Traditional Chinese Medicine, traditionally employed to increase Qi or vital energy and strengthen it. Furthermore, this mushroom possesses powerful immunomodulatory effects and antioxidant qualities; laboratory experiments have also demonstrated antitumor, anti-inflammatory and antiviral activities as well as potential well-being benefits like mental clarity. Although Lingzhi consumption generally seems safe enough, some side effects have been noted in humans.

Studies have demonstrated that Ganoderma lucidum contains polysaccharides, triterpenoids, nucleosides, fatty acids and proteins with biological activity that exhibit biological benefits for health. Furthermore, this mushroom boasts abundant levels of polyphenols and beta-glucans – compounds responsible for its many health advantages including anti-ageing and cancer preventative properties.

Ganoderma lucidum not only exhibits immunomodulatory properties, but has also demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities in animal models. Furthermore, Ganoderma also helps prevent liver damage by blocking acetaldehyde formation while increasing GSH production – all while supporting wound healing and decreasing serum aminotransferase levels.

Ganoderma lucidum spores are frequently used as an ingredient in dietary supplements, with their dried and powdered form being ground into herbal extracts that are then integrated into multiingredient products like capsules, tablets, tea bags and syrups. Some products sold under the names Lingzhi or Reishi are often known as polysaccharide complexes like Ganopoly. G. lucidum has been shown to possess hypoglycemic, anti-inflammatory, and antihypertensive activity in mice; and can even help protect against heart failure by decreasing left ventricular hypertrophy and normalizing ejection fraction in an experimental model of pressure overload-induced cardiomyopathy.

At times, patients taking Lingzhi or Reishi experienced no adverse side effects and were satisfied with the treatment. Unfortunately, however, some cases of hepatotoxicity associated with these herbs range from mild hepatitis that resolved rapidly upon discontinuation to fatal fulminant hepatotoxicity – something to keep in mind as an important reminder of risks when taking herbal products.